A day at the Amish Teachers’ Institute

Whew, what a day!

Hundreds of faces I did not know, along with many I did. If you happen to be one who enjoys crowds, it may be of interest for you to take a peek into the annual Amish Teachers' Institute. Now, I am not a teacher, nor do I even bear the title of board member for that matter, but since the event was also for school parents, I qualified to attend.

There were about 600 of us packed into the shop at the Garber residence in Salem, Indiana. In the weeks prior, the Garbers had spent countless hours emptying out their fabricating shop and getting ready to host Amish folks from across the states who have their own parochial schools.

This morning, just prior to our arrival at ATI, I was processing the whole matter of my husband's passing and the day ahead. As I pondered it all, someone pointed ahead at a brilliant sun dog. I have seen numerous sun dogs, especially in the past several months, but never before in such bright colors. The hues were clear and distinct. As I looked again, a bird swooped down between those splendid rainbow colors and my field of view. "Thank you, Lord, for this touch from You." Yes, He knows it all.

Workshops were scheduled throughout the day, which allowed each person to choose one of four topics at each session. One of my favorites was when a few ladies shared tips and insights on courtesy and manners. We all want to raise little gentlemen, but it doesn't happen on its own, you know! With a vision and a goal, we keep heading toward the mark rather than arriving at perfection.

Preparing meals was a big undertaking for those planning the event. Various communities chipped in and helped bring food, such as our church, which furnished 12 large bowls of salad. Since they had 100 people more than the expected amount, the salads were all licked out clean before the last people came through the line.

Today after lunch, they asked all the teachers to stand. It was quite interesting to see row after row of teachers rise from the backless benches as they got a tally of those currently teaching school. Close to a third of the guests were teachers, the bulk being single girls, along with some married men and single guys.

Now that I'm back home, I reflect on the details of the day. When I left home at 4:30 this morning, it tugged at me to leave the children, yet it was a good day. From reconnecting with friends and listening to the topics, to that curly little boy who reminded me of Joshua at home, it was truly a good day. May I add, though, that best of all was coming home?

When I stepped into the house at 10:15, everything was quiet and peaceful. In the kitchen, I was greeted with the fresh aroma of a candle flickering in the semidarkness, a welcome home note signed by all of the children, and my little motto that bears the words, "It's so good to be home." And yes, the kitchen was clean, the dishes washed, and various fresh baked goods sat on the counter.

I glanced into the living room where the diffuser was billowing its sweet-smelling vapor and softly singing. I stood at my kitchen table for a moment, absorbing the wonder of what God can do in a home. As I did so, I noticed the verse on the wall that had also caught my attention one night three and a half years ago, just after my husband had passed. Today I was comforted anew by those words: He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds.

Yes, He does heal, and in His love He allows us to suffer enough to show us who He really is.

Okay, it feels like it's time to get some rest before morning. Deciding on a recipe this week is not difficult. In the morning I'll ask Julia which recipe she used for the cobbler she made while I was gone. Mmm … somehow after traveling I'm always hungry for real food — something soothing, warm, and tasty. Julia must have made it tonight as it was still a bit warm when I tried some in the quiet of my clean kitchen.

To all of you mothers out there who are living life from one moment to the next, unsure where energy will come from to drag yourself out of bed one more time or decide what to do with a sick child, do take courage! If you keep talking to the Lord about your situation, He will not let you down. Bright beginnings follow all who call upon Him.

Good morning! The children and I have thoroughly enjoyed a morning together, catching up on the latest news and happenings. Reports from yesterday sounded interesting … supper at Grandpa's, learning to flow together (I told them it's not about perfection, but learning how to move through the imperfections), Grandpa supervising at bedtime, and doing dishes in the washing machine.

Their faces wore the same accomplished expressions when they told me how they were thinking how nice it would be to have a dishwasher and had the brainstorm of using the washing machine instead.

I couldn't help but laugh with them. Joshua told me they used the regular laundry soap, but big sister informed me otherwise. According to their perspective, it seemed to work well for the most part. Okay, I do enjoy their imagination, but I'm not expecting it to be happening again!

TRUSTY APPLE DESSERT

This dessert is delicious served with ice cream or let cool and top with Cool whip or other creamy topping of your choice. This is a good eggless dessert to serve. Also if you like crunch, walnut pieces or pecans can be added.

Caramel Apple Cobbler

2 medium apples (red delicious or gala)

1 cup white sugar

2 tablespoons butter

2 cups flour

1 cup milk

2 rounded teaspoons baking powder

1 tablespoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla

Pinch of salt

Syrup:

1 1 /2 cups brown sugar

1 1 /2 cups water

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon maple flavor

Peel apples and shred. Line a 9 X 9 inch pan with the shreds. Pour dough mixture on top of apples and lastly pour the syrup over the top of the dough. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.